ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump has privately discussed the possible removal of Pam Bondi as attorney general, citing frustration that the Justice Department has not moved aggressively enough against his political opponents.

According to sources familiar with the matter, ABC News reported Wednesday that recent conversations with senior administration officials have progressed to potential replacements, including Lee Zeldin and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

It remains unclear whether Trump will ultimately move forward with forcing Bondi out.

Responding to the reports, Trump issued a statement through the White House on Wednesday, saying: "Attorney General Pam Bondi is a wonderful person, and she is doing a good job."

Despite the public backing, sources told ABC News that Trump has privately complained for months about the pace and effectiveness of investigations targeting his political adversaries, including criticism of Bondi’s handling of Justice Department files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Her February testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, where she clashed with lawmakers and deflected questions, also drew internal concern, according to the report.

Bondi has sought to reshape the Justice Department around Trump’s agenda since taking office, emphasizing loyalty to the president and echoing his claims that federal law enforcement agencies had previously been "weaponized" against him -- a shift critics warn could deepen concerns about political influence over prosecutions.